Wartime History
Assigned to Destroyer Division 34 of the IJN 11th Air Fleet. On December 7, 1941, departed Takao performing air-sea rescue duties for the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, and escorted convoys to Davao and Balikpapan.

From February 27 to the end of March 1942, Tachikaze was based at Staring-baai, escorting shipping between Sulawesi and Singapore. It assisted in the Invasion of the Andaman Islands in April, returning to Maizuru for repairs at the end of the month. From June to the end of 1942, Tachikaze was based out of Jaluit Atoll or Rabaul, escorting transports in the Marshall islands and Solomon Islands. It was heavily damaged in an air raid on December 27 at Rabaul, during which its commander, Lieutenant Commander Yasumi Hirasata was killed.

In early 1943, after emergency repairs by the Yamabiko Maru , Tachikaze returned to Maizuru, which were completed by March 10. Tachikaze returned to Rabaul to resume its patrols. It was lightly damaged by an air raid on Wewak on April 15. It returned again to Maizuru for repairs in May, remaining until September. From October until the end of the year, Tachikaze was based out of Truk, with its patrol area extending from Palau towards Rabaul. [6]

Was accidentally grounded on a reef near the South Pass at Truk Lagoon.

On January 22, 1944 departed Truk escorting a convoy to Rabaul. Returning to Truk, on February 4, 1944 Tachikaze was accidentally grounded on Kuop Atoll in Truk Lagoon. The ship remained stranded on the reef, despite efforts to free her by towing or blowing free.

Sinking History
During the Allied Operation Hailstone Tachikaze suffered heavy strafing followed by a torpedo hit in the engine room by aircraft from the USS Intrepid, USS Essex and USS Bunker Hill on February 17, 1944. Heavy casualty resulted from the attacks. Three bomb hits loosened the ship from the reef and caused it to sink in deep water.

Shipwreck
Yet to be found. The wreck probably lies in very deep water.

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009